Intriguing games mark Northwest Suburban Conference's last lap

Expansion. Rivalries. Crossover games.

All three factors play a role in making the final Northwest Suburban Conference football season one of the most intriguing ever.

Osseo opens its difficult schedule at Minnetonka on Sept. 5. The same night features a good-old neighborhood rivalry game as Anoka heads to Blaine.

Maple Grove at Wayzata takes the spotlight Sept. 12. Crimson coach Matt Lombardi left his defensive coordinator position at Wayzata three years ago after helping the program to three state championships.

Former North Suburban Conference rivals also meet that night as Totino-Grace plays at Northwest Suburban Conference newcomer Spring Lake Park.

Two enduring heavyweights collide Sept. 19 when Wayzata visits Totino-Grace.

Perhaps the state's most fierce intra-district rivalry is renewed Oct. 10 as Osseo takes on Maple Grove.

Senior quarterback Lawrence Ogunti threw four touchdown passes, two each to Buirge, who has committed to Northern Illinois, and Amani Hooker.

"He could have had seven," Buirge said. "That just shows how versitile our offense is and how many atheltes we have. It's just not me. I'm a weapon but we have four other targets to go to."

Hooker impressed in several ways. He had a 51-yard touchdown run nullified by a penalty. He tackled with force on defense as well.

Buirge lauded Hooker and Hector Fofanah in the team's postgame huddle for their defensive efforts.

One of the metro area's longest running traditions — the 67th annual Pumpkin Bowl — pits host Anoka against Elk River at 7 p.m. Oct. 10 at Goodrich Field.

The winner will claim bragging rights and possession of a traveling trophy.